Internal and external communication
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| feedback | 反馈 | fǎn kuì |
| communication | 沟通 | gōu tōng |
| internal | 内部 | nèi bù |
| external | 外部 | wài bù |
| jargon | 行话 | háng huà |
| noise | 噪音 | zào yīn |
| overload | 过载 | guò zài |
Getting the message across
- Instructions, ideas and feedback 反馈 must travel around a business clearly and quickly.
- Good communication 沟通 makes everything run smoothly; poor communication causes mistakes and frustration.
Communication route lab
Watch a message move from sender to feedback and see where noise can enter.
Two-way communication is usually more effective because it:
Feedback confirms the message was understood.
Feedback is the response given by the receiver in two-way communication.
Feedback confirms understanding.
One-way vs two-way
- One-way: information is sent with no reply expected (a notice).
- Two-way: the receiver responds, giving feedback — usually more effective.
Communication with a supplier is an example of:
A supplier is outside the business — external communication.
Communication between staff inside the business is ______ communication.
Internal is inside; external is with outsiders.
Internal 内部 and external 外部 communication
- Internal: between people inside the business (staff to staff).
- External: with people outside (customers, suppliers, government).
- Methods include meetings, email, phone, notices and reports.
The communication process, including feedback
Which are barriers to communication? (Select all that apply.)
Clear messages help; the others are barriers.
Barriers to communication
- Too many levels in the hierarchy slow and distort messages.
- Wrong method, jargon 行话, language problems or noise 噪音 block understanding.
More messages is not better communication. Flooding staff with emails causes overload 过载, and they stop reading. Good communication is clear, uses the right method, and allows feedback.
You've got it
- two-way communication allows feedback and is usually more effective
- communication is internal (inside) or external (with outsiders)
- barriers include too many levels, the wrong method, jargon and overload